Riches in Disguise

What a messed-up set of values! So, people couldn't talk about true friendship unless they had money? If that was the case, did that mean poor people couldn't have friends?

History repeatedly showed that the wealthier people were, especially those in aristocratic or bourgeois circles, the more they prioritized profit over genuine emotions.

For the sake of power and wealth, they would even kill their own parents, siblings, or anyone in their family. How many people of an average background could do that?

Even if they did, they would face imprisonment, whereas those in power could commit such acts and still be hailed as wise or heroic.

On the other hand, it was the ordinary people-brothers in arms, heroes of the streets, or ordinary citizens-who, for the sake of one person, would sacrifice a whole village.

It was not rare for someone to risk their life for a friend.

It was precisely because I had seen so many of these kinds of stories and histories and witnessed so much scheming and betrayal around me that I longed for true friendship. I yearned for genuine respect beyond social status, so I kept a low profile and enrolled at Welsington University.

Now, Clara was denying the values I had held dear for years before me. Could I just let that go?

"Should she talk about real friendship with you if she shouldn't talk with the poor? You're Gabrielle's cousin, yet you didn't ask how she was doing after not seeing her for a while.

"Instead, you mock her appearance. Is that all you care about? People like you are even worse than beggars on the street. How dare you talk about friendship?"

I had to admit, since coming to the Whitehead residence, my tone had been sharp and unkind. I would challenge anyone who challenged me right back. I showed no mercy!

I was so blunt because I had been feeling frustrated these past few days, and I had accumulated a lot of anger that I needed to vent.

And with the Whitehead family's constant verbal attacks on me, I couldn't stand them and felt like giving them a piece of my mind.

Clara's face turned red with anger. "Who do you think you are? I'm talking to Gabrielle. Who gave you the right to interrupt?"

I laughed. I'm Gabrielle's boyfriend. I cannot interrupt if you dare say anything bad about her. Not only can I interrupt, but I could even slap you. Try insulting her again and see what happens."

"You..."

"Alright, alright. We're all family here. There's no need to argue."

Clara was so angry that she was about to swing at me when Charlotte suddenly stepped in to mediate.

"Everyone's been standing and arguing for so long, aren't you tired? Come on. Sit down. Gabrielle, William, come to the kitchen and make tea for everyone."

After speaking, she gave me and Gabrielle a wink, then turned and walked toward the kitchen.

Gabrielle didn't hesitate to follow her. They had a good relationship.

Seeing that no one in the living room welcomed me, I initially thought of leaving. I But then I realized that f left, all the attention would turn to Gabrielle.

With her weak personality, who knows how much she would have to endure? After thinking it over, I decided to follow them into the kitchen.

When I entered, Charlotte whispered to Gabrielle, "Don't try to fool me know William. He didn't even care about Crystal's pursuit. How could he accept you? You two must be pretending, right? Just tell me!"

"I—"noveldrama

"Whether we're pretending or not has nothing to do with you, right?" I had never gotten along with Charlotte.